The Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH
Photo Credit: Cathryn McCann
Since its debut in 1781, the building housing the Old Country Store in Moultonborough, NH, has been the site of not just a store but also town meetings, a library, a post office, a stage stop, and a museum. Considered to be among the oldest businesses of its kind in the country, the Old Country Store is certainly a beloved destination in the Lakes Region town of Moultonborough. The can’t-miss yellow building, with its welcoming wraparound porch and red shutters, is a fond memory for many a visitor. Tourists and locals alike spend time in the store perusing local goods and vintage items, while children (and adults, too) fill up baggies with bright penny candy. Wander the store’s long aisles, back rooms, and nooks, and you’ll find everything from Coca-Cola lunch boxes, road signs, and coffee mugs to aged cheddar, maple syrup, and every flavor of jelly and jam imaginable. Upstairs, there’s a small museum full of history, antique goods, and local treasures. Take some time in the Old Country Store, and you’ll likely leave with some fun goods you never knew you needed, a deeper sense of local history, and, yes, a bag of candy.
Exploring the Old Country Store & Museum | Moultonborough, NH
The Old Country Store is in a beautiful yellow building in the town of Moultonborough, NH. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannA vintage sign points the way to the nearby Lakes Region towns of Sandwich and Tuftonboro (Melvin Village). Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThe long bench on the wraparound porch is perfect for enjoying a snack on a summer day. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannEven the back of the building has a vintage flair. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannInside, you’ll find a sweet tooth’s heaven. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannTempting treats include homemade fudge in flavors such as peanut butter and penuche nut. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannPrefer candy? There’s more than enough to choose from. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannOld-fashioned lamps behind the counter add to the nostalgic glow. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannAmong the vintage goods and reproductions you’ll find throughout the store are these fun Coca-Cola lunch boxes. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThe Old Country Store is a great place for those who love living in or visiting New Hampshire. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThe upstairs museum is full of antiques and history. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannAn old advertisement for Moxie, a classic New England brand. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannA relic of summer beverages from days gone by. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCannThe Old Country Store still retains reminders of its many roles through history. Photo Credit : Cathryn McCann
Have you ever been to the Old Country Store & Museum in Moultonborough, NH?
This post was first published in 2017 and has been updated.
While on staff as digital assistant editor, Cathryn wrote and promoted content for NewEngland.com and its social media channels. Prior to this role, she lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard as a newspaper reporter, covering everything from environmental issues and education to crime and politics.
I spent every summer – from the late 1940s until 1978 – over on Squam Lake and then Ctr. Sandwich … I have very very fond memories of heading to the store for the penny candy (very difficult decisions over choices), an ice cream cone, a dill pickle out of the barrel, checking out the bee hive.When I was old enough – I had ventured over on my bicycle and a car (when I was old enough). Ahhhh … those were the days, my friend !!!!
As a kid, we vacationed (from SC) in the Lakes Region NH every summer for 2 weeks to visit family. The Old Country Store in Moultonborough was a yearly tradition. My brother an I always enjoyed the candy and ice cream. Great place and great memories!
In 1963 my parents(Ken and Janet Smith) purchased and operated the Country Fare Inn in Moultonborough just down the hill from the Old Country Store. Moving from New Jersey, everything discovered was a new adventure. I vividly remember going to pick up the mail at the Post Office that was attached to the Old Country Store and dealing with ‘Jessie’ who was always kind and had a great smile. Those were the days!
I just called the store to find out about Wrought Iron Pulls, and quickly got pictures, with pricing, in a matter of minutes. Great merchandise, and customer service, at reasonable prices, and charm, charm, charm on top of it all!!!
Been here 100 times – when we visit Moultonborough, we HAVE to stop in at the Old Store…
Do not forget the great dill pickles. We come up to NH from CT every Sept. and have to go to the country store for the great pickles. YUM YUM
I spent every summer – from the late 1940s until 1978 – over on Squam Lake and then Ctr. Sandwich … I have very very fond memories of heading to the store for the penny candy (very difficult decisions over choices), an ice cream cone, a dill pickle out of the barrel, checking out the bee hive.When I was old enough – I had ventured over on my bicycle and a car (when I was old enough). Ahhhh … those were the days, my friend !!!!
It would be great if you included addresses for those of us who GPS everyhthing!
As a kid, we vacationed (from SC) in the Lakes Region NH every summer for 2 weeks to visit family. The Old Country Store in Moultonborough was a yearly tradition. My brother an I always enjoyed the candy and ice cream. Great place and great memories!
In 1963 my parents(Ken and Janet Smith) purchased and operated the Country Fare Inn in Moultonborough just down the hill from the Old Country Store. Moving from New Jersey, everything discovered was a new adventure. I vividly remember going to pick up the mail at the Post Office that was attached to the Old Country Store and dealing with ‘Jessie’ who was always kind and had a great smile. Those were the days!
I just called the store to find out about Wrought Iron Pulls, and quickly got pictures, with pricing, in a matter of minutes. Great merchandise, and customer service, at reasonable prices, and charm, charm, charm on top of it all!!!